UAE’s state-owned utility service provider, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has received the 2021 USGBC Regional Leadership Award from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
The award, which was announced during the 3-day USGBC Live virtual conference, recognizes the ideal role of organizations contributing to the creation of green and sustainable buildings that have helped to improve the quality of life in societies worldwide.
The award recipients represent some of the best of USGBC’s 10,000 member organizations, a network of committed professionals with over 106,000 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) commercial projects in more than 180 countries and territories worldwide.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO – DEWA
“Receiving the US Green Building Council Middle East Leadership Award 2021 is a testament to DEWA’s sustainability efforts, reducing carbon emissions, protecting the environment, and encouraging innovation and creativity. This supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which outlines an integrated roadmap for urban development based on sustainable development, to make Dubai the world’s best place to live in. These efforts also support the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy, which aims to reduce electricity and water use by 30 percent by 2030, as well as DEWA’s vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation.”
DEWA was among the early adopters of green buildings in Dubai. In 2019, the Authority achieved a global milestone, represented by the emirate getting the Platinum Rating in the LEED for Cities certification awarded by USGBC. This makes Dubai the first city in the Arab world and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to receive this prestigious certification.
“The 2021 USGBC Leadership Award awardees have improved our world through the power of green building, and it is their contribution that has helped our communities stay safe and healthy,” said Mr. Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO of USGBC.
Mr. Abdullah Obaidullah, Executive Vice President of Water & Civil at DEWA, said that DEWA is committed to the highest sustainability and efficiency standards in its projects and initiatives. DEWA currently has six green buildings with LEED ratings which includes the Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, the Innovation Centre and the R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the Smart Grid Station, Data Hub Integrated Solutions (Moro), and the Distribution Power Division Complex in Al Ruwayyah.
